Just Do It Until You Get Through It

“Just do it until you get through it,” that’s the name of the game for Jimmy Jones, who came to Magee Rehabilitation Hospital after sustaining a stroke. His speech therapist Melissa Katz spoke with him about his story.

Jimmy Jones with his family.

MK: Tell us a little about yourself.

JJ: Hi, my name is Jimmy Jones, I am 60-years-old and I live in Rutledge (Delaware County, PA) with my wife of 35 years, our three beautiful daughters, and our precious granddaughter. I am a plumber by trade and presently own and run a union mechanical contracting business specializing in HVAC and plumbing, doing commercial work in Philadelphia and the surrounding area.

MK: What brought you to Magee?

JJ: I had a stroke on March 1, 2019. I woke up at 4:00 am and went downstairs to get a glass of water. My family heard a noise because I dropped five glasses and was cut and bleeding. My oldest daughter recognized I was having a stroke. I did not believe her until I looked in the mirror. My daughters put me in the car and took me to the closest hospital where my oldest daughter works. The doctors were waiting for me and then sent me to Crozer hospital by ambulance.

MK: How would you describe your recovery at Magee Rehab?

JJ: My niece (Lany), who is a physical therapist, encouraged us to go to Magee Rehabilitation Hospital for rehab. She told us that Magee is “the best of the best” and is “the gold standard.” It is the best, everyone is supportive. They care and work very hard to get you to be independent which is very encouraging. It gives me hope for a great future. I can’t say enough good things about everyone here at Magee including the physical, occupational, and speech therapists, nurses, CNAs, hall monitors, and kitchen staff. They are an amazing group of people working together.

Jimmy’s artwork that he created during an art therapy session.

MK: What advice would you give to other people who have had a stroke/brain injury?

JJ: Get into an inpatient rehab like Magee as soon as possible. Do everything they want you to do and work hard to the best of your ability. Just listen and try each day. It may come slow but you will see progress. Don’t give up, challenge yourself, and stay positive. Believe in yourself, believe in your therapists, and believe in your doctors! Just do it until you get through it.